How Long Should a Headache Last After a Car Accident?

In 2020, the U.S. saw 40,000 deaths and around 2.1 million emergency room visits due to traffic accidents. While some collisions result in obvious injuries like broken bones or lacerations, the aftermath of a crash might not immediately reveal the extent of physical harm.

A common symptom that might arise after a car crash is a headache. Despite their tendency to be brushed aside, headaches can indicate more serious underlying injuries.

If you experience headaches after an auto crash, seeking proper medical attention is crucial to your health and well-being. At Dudley DeBosier, our experienced New Orleans car accident lawyers understand the complexities of injuries caused by auto accidents. We can provide you with the guidance you need to navigate the aftermath of an accident.

Why a Headache May Indicate a More Severe Injury

Headaches following a car accident shouldn’t be underestimated. Beyond discomfort, they can indicate a more serious condition, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or head, neck, or spine injuries. Dismissing headaches after accidents could result in worsening injuries and complications.

Common types of headaches after a car accident include:

• Whiplash headache: Often misidentified as migraines, a whiplash headache usually stems from neck injuries in a car accident. Symptoms may include one-sided head pain originating from the neck, extending to the back of the head, neck stiffness, eye pain, and vision problems.

• Concussion headache: A concussion is a brain injury resulting from head trauma, such as in a car accident. Concussions can trigger headaches in 95% of people, with two-thirds of patients experiencing migraine-like symptoms. Post-concussive symptoms, including dizziness and brain fog, may develop and linger for months.

• Fracture headache: Skull fractures due to forceful impact can cause headaches, balance issues, and bruising. Persistent pain in the back of the neck or head may indicate a skull fracture, requiring immediate medical attention.

• Muscle strain and spasm headache: Often causing pain on both sides of the head and the back of the neck, this type of headache results from injured neck and scalp muscles, similar to a band encircling the head.

• Occipital neuralgia: This neurological condition emerges from damage or inflammation of the occipital nerves running through the scalp. The resulting pain may resemble migraine-like pain, manifesting as burning, throbbing, or aching sensations in the neck, scalp, and forehead.

Why Seeking Medical Care is Vital to Your Health and Legal Rights

Not receiving medical care for your post-accident headaches may lead to a worsening of any underlying health conditions. Swift medical assessment can help you detect and manage your injuries, ensuring you receive proper treatment.

Seeing a doctor for your headaches and accompanying symptoms offers the following benefits for your well-being and potential accident claim:

• Early detection and treatment: Visiting a doctor after a car accident if you’re experiencing headaches allows for early detection and treatment of underlying injuries. Some injuries, like TBIs, can take hours or days to show symptoms.

Early medical intervention allows for diagnostic testing like MRIs or CT scans to identify your condition and prevent it from worsening over time.

• Comprehensive documentation: Seeking medical care helps to document your injuries and subsequent treatment. This documentation becomes essential for your health records and any potential accident claims. It provides tangible evidence of your injuries and establishes a link between the incident and your injuries, strengthening your case.

• Expert assessment for long-term impact: A doctor’s assessment can evaluate the potential long-term impact of your headaches and any other injuries sustained in the accident. This professional insight is essential for understanding the scope of your health situation and estimating the necessary treatment, recovery time, and potential future medical needs.

Take Action Today: Understand Your Rights with Dudley DeBosier

If you have headaches after a car crash, don’t underestimate their severity. They could mean a major underlying issue that could severely impact your life mentally, physically, and financially. At Dudley DeBosier, our team of car accident lawyers in Baton Rouge and New Orleans is committed to safeguarding your rights and health.

If you are grappling with post-accident headaches, we encourage you to contact us for a complimentary consultation. Our seasoned professionals can evaluate your situation, offer expert legal advice, and ensure your medical and legal interests are protected.

Your health and rights matter – connect with us today.

This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.

Related Posts